Choosing a Champion in LoL
When you are playing League of Legends, one of the most important decisions you can make is to choose the right champion to play. In the world of Riot Games, champions make a massive difference in the game and can often determine the outcome of a game. It is no wonder that Riot Games works tirelessly to keep the balance of champions in order. In today's article, we are going to talk about how to choose a champion in LoL.
First Things First
Many people actually start off by choosing the champions that they like the most visually, whether it is their appearance, background story, or abilities. This is what is known as playing the champion you actually like. Since you are more likely to give it your all when playing a champion you enjoy, you will enjoy the game better and improve more rapidly as well.
Champion Roles
Now, when it comes to deciding on the role of the champion, it is important to understand that there are five different positions or roles in the game. These are the top lane, mid lane, jungle, bottom (AD carry), and support. Some champions are role-specific, while others are more versatile. Think about the position you are most comfortable in before choosing a champion.
Learn the Abilities
Every champion in League of Legends has a unique set of abilities, and a passive ability. These unique abilities make every champion different from one another. Some champions have very complex ability combos that take a long time to master, while others are beginner friendly. You should definitely consider the complexity of the champion when deciding. You can try champions on in the practice tool before committing to one.
Meta Considerations
It goes without saying that you should always try to play a champion that's strong in the current meta. There are many websites dedicated to keeping track of what is strong and what isn't. One important piece of meta understanding is the rune system — specifically the keystone you select. Keystones like Lethal Tempo, Conqueror, Electrocute, and Grasp of the Undying each suit different playstyles and matchups. Not all keystones are equal — using the wrong one for your champion and matchup can cost you games even if everything else is correct. Check a build guide or tier site before you decide.
Use Tier Sites Before You Lock In
Before picking a champion for ranked, it's worth a quick check on sites like op.gg or u.gg. These sites track win rates, pick rates, ban rates, and tier rankings across all ranks and regions, updated after every patch. If a champion you enjoy has dropped significantly in win rate after a recent patch, you might want to look at whether the meta has shifted against them. Equally, if a champion is currently overperforming in your role and you have some games on them, it's worth leaning into that. Playing the meta doesn't mean abandoning what you enjoy — it means making informed decisions about when and how to play your champions.
The Balancing Act
Ultimately, choosing a champion comes down to finding a balance between the champion you enjoy, the role you play, the complexity of the champion, and what is strong in the current meta. These are the most important considerations when choosing your champion and they will help you to make the best possible choice. If you are unsure where to start, you can always try a champion in normals before committing to ranked. Enjoy the process and remember that the right champion for you is the one you enjoy the most.